HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GIRLS

Take charge of their mental health and narratives

Distinctively Me…

is a pipeline to mental health support for black girls in 6th-12th grades. We provide brave spaces that embody group-esteem, creativity, vocal expression, and leadership development, in conjunction with adult and peer support, helping to shape mentees with a positive mindset to overcome daily adversity in all areas of their lives. Distinctively Me exposes girls to resources and opportunities to help them re-frame their negative thoughts and alter poor behaviors, thereby bringing about healthy self-awareness that reinforces mental stability.

Who We Are & Who We Serve

Distinctively Me (DM) is a 501©3 nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the social emotional and cultural development of adolescent black girls in underserved communities around the Chicagoland area. Our mission is to provide a brave space where the mental well-being and narratives of adolescent black girls are nurtured, valued, and expressed through creativity, conversation and education.

WHAT WE DO

Distinctively Me (DM) delivers a variety of community-based programs, workshops, events, educational resources and opportunities that both enhance awareness of adolescent mental health and provide innovative solutions to set youth on a path towards greater success.

WHY WE DO IT

Distinctively Me envisions a world where mental health support is normalized, easily accessible, affordable, and of high-quality in African American communities everywhere.

I first joined Distinctively Me as an 8th grader. The workshops were very informative and I learned important life concepts such as problem solving, self-love, creating healthy relationships, learning social emotional skills, and many more. Because I joined these workshops, I am now able to utilize these concepts in my everyday life. Instead of telling myself that I can’t, I tell myself that I can. Overall, I believe that DM has shaped me into the young lady I am today. The skills that this program has instilled in me will without a doubt be my guide throughout my life.

– Rachel

Our Pillars

SELF-DEVELOPMENT

We are committed to doing the inner work that leads us on our journey towards healthy emotional growth and self love.

CREATIVE SELF EXPRESSION

We empower ourselves by using our voices and various forms of art to express our thoughts and share the stories of ourselves and our peers.

INTEGRITY

We aim to walk in honesty and accountability with the purpose of doing the right thing every time.

GROUP ESTEEM

We know there is power in unity and sisterhood, therefore we strive to continuously support, uplift, and celebrate each other.

Community Service

We are committed to pouring love and hope back into the lives of our community members, especially girls like us.